Demis Hassabis, CEO of DeepMind, has stated that artificial intelligence is poised to create an impact that is potentially ten times greater and faster than the Industrial Revolution. In a recent interview, he emphasized AI’s vast ability to rapidly reshape both society and the business world. Hassabis also stressed the importance of implementing balanced regulations and forward-thinking strategies to manage these changes effectively. His remarks highlight the ongoing discussions around generative AI, underlining how its speed and magnitude of disruption surpass those of previous technological breakthroughs.
Joby Aviation, a leader in urban air mobility, is reportedly considering the acquisition of Blade Air, an air mobility and travel brand. The potential deal could boost Joby’s presence in air taxi services and expand its urban-flight network. Industry sources suggest the move could fast-track efforts to commercialize eVTOL (electric vertical takeoff and landing) flights and strengthen Joby’s competitive positioning as cities prepare for next-generation air transport solutions. No official statements have been made, and talks are ongoing.
Airtel has unveiled its new sovereign cloud and AI platform, targeting enterprise and government clients who require strict data localization and privacy compliance. The platform promises robust security, seamless deployment, and industry-leading AI capabilities designed for Indian regulatory standards. Airtel’s move underscores growing demand for local cloud solutions as businesses accelerate digital transformation and rely more on AI-driven insights. The telecom giant aims to position itself as a leading one-stop solution for cloud infrastructure and artificial intelligence in the Indian market.
A new leak suggests the PlayStation 6 could offer triple the rasterization and 3D rendering performance of the PS5, all at a starting price of $499. The rumor, supposedly based on a leaked AMD presentation to Sony, points to PS4 and PS5 backwards compatibility, and manufacturing starting in mid-2027. Sony is also said to be working on a handheld companion device with advanced features like haptics and dual mics. While these specs aren’t confirmed, Sony’s strategy seems focused on value and maintaining a competitive edge in pricing for its next-gen console launch window, expected between late 2027 and early 2028.
Apple is gearing up to shake things up in the AI world with a brand-new ChatGPT-style AI feature launching alongside the iPhone 17. With tech giants like OpenAI and Google already making waves, Apple is ready to bring its own spin on smart, conversational AI right to your pocket.
Reports reveal that Apple has quietly set up a dedicated team—called the “Answers” or “AKI” team—tasked with creating an AI answer engine that goes beyond basic voice commands. This AI will make it easier and more natural for you to get answers, whether you’re chatting with Siri, searching with Spotlight, or browsing in Safari. Instead of typing keywords, you’ll be able to ask questions in everyday language and get detailed, helpful responses in real-time.
What sets Apple apart is its strong focus on privacy. Most of the AI work will happen directly on your iPhone, keeping your data safe and private. And if your question needs extra processing in the cloud, Apple will always ask for your consent before sending any personal info. This privacy-first approach is a game-changer compared to other AI tools that often send data to external servers.
While some of these AI upgrades will arrive gradually—Siri’s big AI overhaul is expected to roll out through 2026—the iPhone 17 will showcase some of Apple’s exciting new AI capabilities. This means your next iPhone won’t just be a phone; it will be your smart assistant, creative partner, and personal guide, all while keeping your privacy front and center.
In short, Apple’s AI on the iPhone 17 looks set to change how we interact with our devices, making things more intuitive, helpful, and secure. It’s an exciting leap toward smarter, more personal technology that just might redefine what we expect from our phones.
As we move through 2025, application-specific semiconductors are shaping the backbone of digital transformation across every major industry. These chips—engineered for specific tasks rather than general-purpose computing—are now critical for powering artificial intelligence (AI), cloud infrastructure, automotive technology, healthcare, and next-gen consumer devices. Below, we explore what makes these chips game-changers, the drivers fueling their growth, key industry players, and how they are revolutionizing sectors from vehicles to data centers.
What Are Application-Specific Semiconductors?
Application-Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs) are built to perform dedicated tasks more efficiently and faster than general-purpose chips. By focusing their processing power on targeted workloads such as AI inference, cryptographic tasks, or real-time health monitoring, these chips improve performance, reduce power usage, and offer better results for specialized applications.
Key Drivers of Growth in 2025
1. Rapid Growth in AI and Generative AI
AI is putting huge pressure on traditional chips, especially in data centers and edge computing setups like connected cars, industrial systems, and IoT. Generative AI requires high bandwidth and low latency, which general-purpose CPUs cannot handle well. This has opened the door for custom silicon built specifically for AI workloads.
2. Industry-Specific Demand and Customization
Major industries like automotive, telecom, cloud, and healthcare are turning to custom chips to meet their unique needs.
Automotive: Companies such as Infineon, NXP, STMicroelectronics, Texas Instruments, Renesas, and Qualcomm are developing chips for ADAS, electric vehicles, and in-car connectivity.
Healthcare: Texas Instruments, Analog Devices, STMicroelectronics, Ambiq, OmniVision, BioIntelliSense, and NVIDIA are supporting wearables, medical imaging, diagnostics, and remote monitoring.
Cloud and Data Centers: Companies including NVIDIA, Intel, Broadcom, Samsung Semiconductor, IBM, Meta, Google, Arm, SambaNova Systems, and SiMa.ai are working on chips optimized for AI, high-speed networking, and cloud scalability.
3. Smarter Chip Design and Manufacturing
The rise of AI-based chip design tools and modular chiplet architectures has made it faster and more affordable to build custom chips. Advanced process nodes like 2nm fabrication and reusable IP components are helping reduce development time and cost.
4. Explosion in Edge Computing and IoT
As billions of IoT devices come online in 2025, there is growing demand for compact and power-efficient chips that can process data locally. These chips are key to enabling smart cities, connected health devices, and wearable tech.
5. Focus on Supply Chain Control and Strategic Independence
Global supply issues and geopolitical tensions have pushed industries to gain more control over chip design and production. Custom architectures and strategic partnerships are helping companies build resilience and avoid reliance on any single supplier.
These companies are at the forefront of applying custom chip technology in real-world solutions, helping shape the future of innovation across industries.
Challenges and Considerations
Building custom chips comes with high research and development costs. However, tools and chiplet-based designs are reducing barriers for new players. The challenge now lies in balancing tailored performance with large-scale manufacturing. This is encouraging modular designs and partnerships across industries to make development more flexible and cost-effective.
What’s Ahead?
Technology is becoming more personal, intelligent, and efficient. Application-specific semiconductors are unlocking new levels of performance and control across sectors. Companies that invest in custom silicon are gaining strategic advantages and driving the next wave of innovation. From smart cars and medical devices to advanced cloud infrastructure, the future will be powered by chips that are designed for one job and do it exceptionally well.
In 2025, the global technology industry is witnessing a profound transformation, marked by significant tech layoffs across some of the world’s biggest names. While economic uncertainties are often cited by companies, one undeniable and underlying factor driving these layoffs is the rapid integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in business operations and product development.
Staggering Numbers Highlight the Trend
The numbers are staggering. Over 130,000 tech workers have lost their jobs so far this year, across more than 400 companies worldwide. This is not just an ordinary cost-saving move—companies are actively reshaping their workforces to align with new AI-driven strategies and infrastructures.
Company Examples Demonstrating AI’s Impact
1. Intel: Refocusing on AI Semiconductor Development
Take Intel, for example. The semiconductor giant has announced plans to cut up to 25,000 jobs, almost 15% of its workforce, as it refocuses efforts on AI chip development and streamlines manufacturing operations.
Similarly, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) has targeted around 12,000 roles in 2025, particularly thinning middle and senior management roles that struggle to adapt to AI-powered workflows.
Can AI amplify human potential or replace it? In this exclusive leadership spotlight, @KrishAshok, Vice President & Head of AI Practice, TCS, breaks down the AI wave, how we're staying ahead of the curve. A social experiment that pitted humans against AI-powered humans. The… pic.twitter.com/EkQtc1BR3y
Microsoft, another major player, has trimmed over 15,000 jobs this year, particularly in gaming and cloud computing sectors, reflecting a shift in priorities toward AI integration through tools like Copilot.
4. Amazon AWS: Moving Toward Automation
Amazon’s AWS division has also reduced hundreds of positions, focusing on automation and AI-driven cloud services.
5. Scale AI and Meta: Adjusting Amid AI Advancements
Even companies deeply invested in AI innovation are adjusting their staff sizes. Scale AI cut 700 roles after overestimating generative AI growth, while Meta reduced its workforce by about 5%, streamlining units focused on augmented and virtual reality amid AI advancements.
AI now directly influences not just what work is required, but who performs it: Routine and middle-management roles are at greatest risk.
Skill profiles are evolving rapidly: Specialist roles in AI, data analysis, and human-centered communication are now more highly valued.
Opportunities and the Path Ahead
As layoffs grab headlines, experts and companies alike are encouraging both current and aspiring professionals to focus on upskilling—especially in areas that blend technical know-how with creativity, critical thinking, and strong communication skills.
“These decisions are necessary as we continue to innovate for our customers,” an Amazon spokesperson stated in July 2025.
Conclusion: An AI-Reshaped Industry in Real Time
The tech layoffs of 2025 are more than financial adjustments—they mark the beginning of an employment era shaped decisively by artificial intelligence. With clear dates and transparent reporting, these industry upheavals are no longer distant news but a call for proactive adaptation and lifelong learning in a redefined technological landscape.
LG Innotek has teamed up with Aeva Technologies to manufacture its cutting-edge 4D LiDAR sensors—starting with cars and eventually moving into gadgets, robots, and automation. As part of the deal, LG is investing $50 million for a 6% stake in the U.S. startup. Aeva’s LiDAR-on-a-chip tech doesn’t just measure distance—it also captures velocity for each pixel in real time, making it way smarter than traditional sensors. With customers like top carmakers, Nikon, and airports like JFK onboard, Aeva’s on a mission to shrink everything down to a single chip—and this LG deal might just accelerate that vision.
Microsoft just rolled out Copilot Mode in its Edge browser, and honestly, it feels like we’re entering a new era of browsing. This AI feature doesn’t just chat—it actually helps. From tweaking recipes to booking flights, it’s like having a digital sidekick built into your tab. It even checks all open tabs to understand what you’re researching. Sure, privacy concerns are real, but the convenience could be game-changing—especially for people who hate juggling sites. It’s still experimental, but if Microsoft nails it, this could seriously change how we use the web every day.
Shailesh Jejurikar’s story is one that really inspires me. Coming from India and rising all the way to become the CEO of Procter & Gamble (P&G), a hugely respected global company, is no small feat. It shows how determination, education, and a willingness to learn from every experience can truly pay off.
The Early Days: Humble Beginnings and Ambitious Dreams
Shailesh Jejurikar grew up in Mumbai, a bustling city known for its opportunities and challenges. Like many talented youngsters in India, he had big dreams but knew that hard work and education would be his stepping stones. After completing his schooling with strong academic results, Jejurikar earned a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from Mumbai University.
He then took a crucial step for his career — entering the Indian Institute of Management Lucknow (IIM Lucknow). Back then, IIM Lucknow was already gaining a reputation for nurturing some of the sharpest minds in management. For Shailesh, it was a transformative experience, honing his business acumen and leadership potential. This foundation would prove invaluable in the years ahead.
Joining P&G: A Journey of Steady Growth
After graduating from IIM Lucknow in 1989, Jejurikar joined P&G’s India operations as an Assistant Brand Manager. At the time, P&G was expanding rapidly in emerging markets like India, and Shailesh was right in the thick of building iconic brands that families would trust for decades.
What sets Shailesh apart is not just his business skills but his willingness to embrace new challenges and cultures. Over the next decades, he took on diverse roles across continents — from East Africa and Southeast Asia to Australia, South Korea, and the United States. Each move brought fresh lessons, adapting to different markets and customer needs.
Leading with People and Purpose
As Jejurikar climbed the ranks, culminating in leadership roles for P&G’s Fabric and Home Care division (which includes household names like Tide and Ariel), he never lost sight of the people behind the brands — the consumers.
His leadership style is often described by colleagues as empathetic, grounded, and focused on nurturing talent. He believes success comes from balancing strong operational discipline with innovation and sustainability.
Thanks to his leadership, P&G’s Fabric & Home Care division continued to grow steadily, holding strong even in highly competitive global markets. He championed efforts to make products more environmentally friendly, reflecting his understanding that a company’s impact goes beyond profits alone.
Making History as P&G’s CEO
In January 2026, Shailesh Jejurikar is set to become P&G’s President and CEO — a historic moment as he will be the first CEO from India and only the second non-US-born leader at the company’s helm in more than 180 years.
His appointment marks more than an individual milestone — it reflects the growing influence of Indian professionals and the global recognition of India’s top-tier management education. As CEO, Jejurikar will be steering P&G through a rapidly changing consumer and digital landscape, armed with decades of cross-cultural experience and deep business insight.
Procter & Gamble is a brand-building powerhouse that has defined consumer behavior for generations.
Shailesh Jejurikar’s appointment as CEO proves yet again that Indian-American leaders can navigate not just tech, but the hearts and minds of U.S. consumers.
What We Can Learn from Shailesh Jejurikar’s Journey
Education Is Just the Beginning: His time at IIM Lucknow gave him vital skills, but continuous learning and adaptability made all the difference.
Global Exposure Matters: Moving beyond comfort zones and learning from diverse markets broadened his vision.
People-First Leadership: Success isn’t just numbers; it’s about inspiring teams and making a positive impact on customers.
Sustainability is Key: Modern business leadership means caring for the planet, not just profits.
Final Thoughts
Shailesh Jejurikar’s story is a powerful reminder that with the right combination of education, perseverance, and openness to new experiences, it’s possible to rise to the highest levels of global business — regardless of where you start.
His journey from IIM Lucknow classrooms to leading a Fortune 500 giant stands as motivation for young professionals everywhere who aspire to make their mark on the world stage.
